Novel stereoselective synthesis of benzimidazole sulfoxides

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a process for stereoselective synthesis of substituted sulfoxides either as a single enantiomer or in an enantiomerically enriched form. Thus, 5-methoxy-2-[[(4-methoxy-3,5-dimethyl-2-pyridinyl)methyl]thio]-1H-benzimidazol is reacted with (R)-camphorsulfonyl chloride to form a mixture of 1-(R)-camphorsulfonyl-5-(and 6-)methoxy-2-[(3,5-dimethyl-4-methoxy-2-pyridyl)methylthio]-1H-benzimidazole, oxidized to obtain a diastereomeric excess of 1-(R)-camphorsulfonyl-(5- and 6-)-methoxy-2-[(3,5-dimethyl-4-methoxy-2-pyridyl)methyl-(S)-sulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole over 1-(R)-camphorsulfonyl-(5- and 6-)-methoxy-2-[(3,5-dimethyl-4-methoxy-2-pyridyl)methyl-(R)-sulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole, the diastereomers are separated by fractional crystallization and the separated 1-(R)-camphorsulfonyl-(5- and 6-)-methoxy-2-[(3,5-dimethyl-4-methoxy-2-pyridyl)methyl-(S)-sulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole is deprotected to give esomeprazole.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a process for stereoselective synthesis of benzimidazole sulfoxides either as a single enantiomer or in an enantiomerically enriched form.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Substituted 2-(2-pyridinylmethylsulfinyl)-1H-benzimidazoles such as for example omeprazole, pantoprazole, lansoprazole and rabeprazole including their stereoisomers are inhibitors of gastric acid secretion. Omeprazole, chemically 5-methoxy-2-[[(4-methoxy-3,5-dimethyl-2-pyridinyl)methyl]sulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole is for instant disclosed in EP 5129. Some compounds useful as prodrugs of proton pump inhibitors are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,559,167.

The alkaline salts of (S)-enantiomer of omeprazole (esomeprazole), the pharmaceutical preparations of these salts and the method of treatment of gastric acid-related diseases using them are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,738,974, 5,877,192 and 5,714,504. The patents U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,738,974, 5,877,192 and 5,714,504 are incorporated herein by reference.

These compounds and structurally related compounds have a stereogenic center at sulfur and therefore exist as two optical isomers. The resolution processes of racemates of these compounds were for example disclosed in DE 4035455 and WO 94/27988. According to these processes chiral ether such as fenchyloxymethyl or chiral acyloxy methyl group such as mandeloyl- is introduced into the 1-position of benzimidazole ring of racemic sulfoxide compound to obtain a diastereomeric mixture, diastereomers are then separated and desired isomer is liberated from a separated diastereomer. The process requires either the preparation of fenchyloxymethyl chloride and then reaction with the racemic compound; or introduction of chloromethyl group on 1-position of benzimidazole ring, followed by reaction with the chiral auxiliary. We find that these intermediates are difficult to prepare and involve in many steps.

The resolution of sulfoxide compounds including racemic omeprazole were described in WO 2004/002982. The method requires expensive reagents like titanium compounds, two chiral reagents namely diethyl-D-tartarate and L-Mandelic acid.

Enantioselective synthesis is described for example in Euro. J. Biochem. 166 (1987) 453 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,948,789. Disadvantages of these methods are that strict control of conditions is to be maintained and strict control of quantities of oxidizing agents is required for avoiding oxidation of desired sulfoxide to sulfone impurity. Moreover, these methods require expensive reagents like titanium isoproxide and diethyl-D-tartarate.

The process for the preparation of racemic benzimidazole sulfoxides such as omeprazole, useful as starting materials for preparing enantiomerically pure benzimidazole sulfoxides, from their corresponding sulfides involves a problem of over oxidation to form sulfone impurities.

PCT Application No. PCT/IN04/00118 describes the resolution method for racemic benzimidazole sulfoxides.

We have discovered a novel process for preparing benzimidazole sulfoxides either as a single enantiomer or in an enantiomerically enriched form using less expensive reagents. The novel method provides a commercially viable stereoselective synthesis of benzimidazole sulfoxides. The novel process provides an excess amount of the desired enantiomer of benzimidazole sulfoxides over the undesired enantiomer. This results in the improved overall yield of optically pure or optically enriched benzimidazole sulfoxides.

Some of the intermediates of the process are novel and also the part of the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a stereoselective synthesis for preparing a benzimidazole sulfoxide of formula I or a salt thereof either as a single enantiomer or in an enantiomerically enriched form:

Wherein

R is

X is

and

R₁-R₄ are the same or different and selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkoxy, halogen, halo-alkoxy, alkylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, oxazolyl, trifluroalkyl, or adjacent groups R₁-R₄ form ring structures which may be further substituted;

wherein

R₅ and R₇ are same or different and selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkylthio, alkoxy optionally substituted by fluorine, alkoxyalkoxy, dialkylamino, piperidino, morpholino, halogen, phenylalkyl and phenylalkoxy;

R₆ is selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkylthio, alkoxy optionally substituted by fluorine, alkoxyalkoxy, dialkylamino, piperidino, morpholino, halogen, nitro, phenylalkyl and phenylalkoxy;

R₈ is hydrogen or forms an alkylene chain together with R₇ and

R₉ and R₁₀ are same or different and selected from hydrogen, halogen and alkyl;

which comprises:

-   a) reacting a benzimidazole sulfide of formula II, or a salt     thereof:     wherein R, X and R₁-R₄ are as defined for formula I;

with a chiral compound of formula III: R^(c)-Z-Y  III wherein R^(c) is a chiral moiety having at least one asymmetric center and at least one asymmetric center in the chiral moiety can have either R or S configuration; Z is

and Y is a leaving group

to provide a compound of formula IV:

wherein R, X and R₁-R₄ are as defined for formula I; and R^(c) and Z are as defined for formula III;

-   b) oxidizing the compound of formula IV to give a diastereomeric     excess of compound of formula V:     wherein R, X, R^(c), R₁-R₄ and Z are as defined for formula IV and     star (*) refers to excess of one configuration at the sulfur atom of     the sulfoxide group over the opposite configuration; -   c) if required, separating the diastereomers of formula V; and -   d) deprotecting the product of step (b); or separated diastereomers     of step (c) with an acid or base to provide a single enantiomer or     enantiomerically enriched compound of formula I and optionally     converting the enantiomer formed to the salt.

In the above definitions alkyl groups, alkoxy groups and moieties thereof may be branched or straight C₁-C₉-chains or comprise cyclic alkyl groups, for example cyclicalkylalkyl.

Some of the intermediates of the process are novel and also the part of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a stereoselective synthesis for preparing a benzimidazole sulfoxide of formula I or a salt thereof either as a single enantiomer or in an enantiomerically enriched form:

Wherein

R is

X is

and

R₁-R₄ are the same or different and selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkoxy, halogen, halo-alkoxy, alkylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, oxazolyl, trifluroalkyl, or adjacent groups R₁-R₄ form ring structures which may be further substituted;

wherein

R₅ and R₇ are same or different and selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkylthio, alkoxy optionally substituted by fluorine, alkoxyalkoxy, dialkylamino, piperidino, morpholino, halogen, phenylalkyl and phenylalkoxy;

R₆ is selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkylthio, alkoxy optionally substituted by fluorine, alkoxyalkoxy, dialkylamino, piperidino, morpholino, halogen, nitro, phenylalkyl and phenylalkoxy;

R₈ is hydrogen or forms an alkylene chain together with R₇ and

R₉ and R₁₀ are same or different and selected from hydrogen, halogen and alkyl.

Except otherwise states, alkyl groups, alkoxy groups and moieties thereof may be branched or straight C₁-C₉-chains or comprise cyclic alkyl groups, for example cyclicalkylalkyl.

The star (*) refers to excess of one configuration at the sulfur atom of the sulfoxide group over the other configuration.

Preferably, the sulfoxides prepared by the novel method are sulfoxides of formula I′ or a salt thereof either as a single enantiomer or in an enantiomerically enriched form:

Wherein R is

R₆ is selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkylthio, alkoxy optionally substituted by fluorine, alkoxyalkoxy, dialkylamino, piperidino, morpholino, halogen, phenylalkyl and phenylalkoxy; and R₁-R₅, R₇-R₁₀ and X are as defined for formula I.

More preferably the sulfoxides prepared by the novel process are sulfoxides of any of the formulas I(i) to I(vi) or a salt thereof either as a single enantiomer or in an enantiomerically enriched form:

The compounds defined by the formulas I, I′ and I(i-vi) may be converted to pharmaceutically acceptable salts by conventional methods.

Most preferably the sulfoxide prepared by the novel process is sulfoxide of the formula I(i) or a salt thereof either as a single enantiomer or in an enantiomerically enriched form.

According to the present invention initially a benzimidazole sulfide of formula 11 or a salt thereof:

is reacted with a chiral compound of formula III: R_(c)-Z-Y  III to provide a compound of formula IV:

In the formulas III-IV, R, X, and R₁-R₄ have the same meaning as defined for formula I; R^(c) is a chiral moiety having at least one asymmetric center and at least one asymmetric center in the chiral moiety can have either R or S configuration; Z is

and Y is a leaving group such as halogen, hydroxy or reactive esterified hydroxy.

The salts of the compounds of formula II used in the reaction may be inorganic or organic salts. The preferable inorganic salts are alkali salts or alkaline earth metal salts. Preferred alkali metal salt of the compounds of formula II is lithium, sodium or potassium, more preferred being sodium or potassium metal salt. Preferred alkaline earth metal salt of the compounds of formula II is calcium or magnesium, more preferred being magnesium metal salt. The preferred organic salts of the compounds of formula II are organic ammonium salts, more preferred being tert-butylammonium salt, tetrabutylammonium salt and guanidinium salt.

The preferred Z is sulfonyl group:

R^(c) may or may not have aryl substitutions such as phenyl or hetero aryl substitutions such as pyridine on its chiral moiety. Preferably, R^(c)-Z- is selected from (S) or (R)-camphor sulfonyl, (S)- or (R)-glycidylsulfonyl-, D- or L-mandeloyl, a stereo isomeric 1-(ethoxycarbonyl)-3-phenylpropyl]alanyl, (D) or (L)-phenyl alanyl and (D) or (L)-alanyl.

Preferably, reactive esterified hydroxy group is acetoxy or trifluoroacetoxy.

Halogen represents F, Cl, Br or I.

Preferably, Y is halogen, more preferably Cl or Br, still more preferably Cl.

Preferably, the reaction between the benzimidazole sulfide of formula II and the optically active compound of formula III is carried out in a solvent. Suitable solvents that can be used are esters such as ethyl acetate, methyl acetate, isopropyl acetate, tert-butyl methyl acetate and ethyl formate; alcohols such as methanol, ethanol and isopropyl alcohol; acetonitrile; tetrahydrofuran; dimethylformamide; dimethylsulfoxide; dioxane; aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, xylenel, etc.; halogenated hydrocarbons such as methylene chloride, chloroform, carbontetrachloride, ethylene dichloride, etc.; ketones such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, diethyl ketone etc.; ethers such as tert-butyl methyl ether, diethyl ether; diethyl carbonate and a mixture thereof. Preferable solvents are selected from halogenated hydrocarbon solvents and aromatic hydrocarbon solvents, still more preferred solvents are methylene chloride, ethylenedichloride, toluene, benzene and xylene.

Preferably the reaction is carried out in the presence of a base such as N,N-diisopropylethylamine, triethyl amine or sodium carbonate.

The compounds of a formula IV are novel and constitutes another aspect of the invention.

The compound of formula IV is oxidized to give diastereomeric excess of sulfoxide of formula V:

wherein R, X, R^(c), R₁-R₄ and Z are as defined for formula IV.

By using a suitable chiral auxiliary R^(c)-Z-Y (formula III) for preparing the compound of formula IV, the desired diastereomer can be obtained in excess over the undesired diastereomers.

Any oxidizing agents that are known for oxidizing sulfide to sulfoxide can be used. The preferred oxidizing agents are nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide, peracids, peresters, ozone, dinitrogentetraoxide, iodosobenzene, N-halosuccinimide, 1-chlorobenzotriazole, t-butylhypochlorite, sodium hypochlorite, diazobicyclo-[2,2,2]-octane bromine complex, sodium metaperiodate, selenium dioxide, manganese dioxide, chromic acid, cericammonium nitrate, bromine, chlorine, and sulfuryl chloride. More preferred oxidizing agents are peracids such as peracetic acid and m-chloro perbenzoic acid; hydrogen peroxide, sodium hypochlorite and sodium metaperiodate. The oxidation can also be performed with the oxidizing agent in the presence of a catalyst such as vanadium acetyl acetonate.

Oxidation is carried out in a solvent or a mixture of solvents. The preferred solvents are esters such as ethyl acetate, methyl acetate, isopropyl acetate, tert-butyl methyl acetate and ethyl formate; carboxylic acid solvents such as acetic acid; alcohols such as methanol, ethanol and isopropyl alcohol; acetonitrile; tetrahydrofuran; dimethylformamide; dimethylsulfoxide; dioxane; aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, xylene, etc.; halogenated hydrocarbons such as methylene chloride, chloroforrn, carbontetrachloride, ethylene dichloride, etc.; ketones such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, diethyl ketone etc.; ethers such as tert-butyl methyl ether, diethyl ether; diethyl carbonate and a mixture thereof. More preferred solvents are selected from halogenated hydrocarbon solvents, carboxyiic acid solvents and aromatic hydrocarbon sovents, still more preferred solvents are methylenedichloride, ethylenedichloride, acetic acid, toluene, benzene and xylene.

The diastereomeric excess refers to formation of a diastereomer having one configuration at sulfur of sulfoxide in excess over that having the opposite configuration. Preferably, one diastereomer is formed in above about 60% of the mixture of diastereomers over the other and more preferably, above about 80% of the mixture of diastereomers.

The compounds of formula V formed may be isolated from the reaction medium and then used in the next step; or used directly in the next step.

The compounds of formula V formed above can be separated and the separated diastereomers are deprotected; or used directly in the deprotection step. The separation of diastereomers may be required to obtain stereomers with desired optically purity. It is well known that diastereomers differ in their properties such as solubility and they can be separated based on the differences in their properties. The separation of the diastereomers can be performed using the methods known to the person skilled in the art. These methods include chromatographic techniques and fractional crystallization, preferable method being fractional crystallization.

Preferably, a solution of the diastereomeric mixture is subjected to fractional crystallization. The solution of the diastereomeric mixture may be a solution of the reaction mixture obtained as above or a solution prepared by dissolving the isolated diastereomeric mixture in a solvent. Any solvent may be used so long as it can be used for the separation. The preferred solvent is selected from alcohols such as methanol, ethanol and isopropyl alcohol, propanol, tert-butylalcohol, n-butanol; ketones such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, diethyl ketone; esters such as ethyl acetate, methyl acetate, isopropyl acetate, tert-butyl methyl acetate and ethyl formate; acetonitrile; tetrahydrofuran; dimethylformamide; dimethylsulfoxide; dioxane; diethyl carbonate and a mixture thereof. Water may also be associated with the above solvents. Preferable solvents are alcohol and ketone solvents, still more preferred solvents are alcohol solvents such as isopropyl alcohol and ethanol.

Fractional crystallization of preferentially one diastereomer from the solution of mixture of diastereomers can be performed by conventional methods such as cooling, partial removal of solvents, using contrasolvent, seeding or a combination thereof.

Fractional crystallization can be repeated until the desired chiral purity is obtained. But, usually one or two crystallizations may be sufficient.

The separated diastereomer of formula V or the compound of formula V without subjecting for separation is then deprotected to provide sulfoxide of formula I either as a single enantiomer or in an enantiomerically enriched form. The deprotection can be applied to the separated diastereomers to get respective enantiomers.

The single enantiomer or the enantiomerically enriched enantiomer can be isolated from the reaction mixture or it can be isolated as a salt. The salts of the sulfoxide enantiomers can be prepared by conventional means. Optionally the enantiomers or salts thereof can be converted into pharmaceutically acceptable salts by conventional methods.

The deprotection can be performed by using an acid or a base. The selection of the acid or base is not critical. The acid can be an organic or inorganic. Acids such as carboxylic acids, e.g. acetic acid, formic acid; sulfonic acids, e.g. methane sulfonic acid; mineral acids such as phosphoric acid can be used.

The deprotection is preferably carried out with a base. The base can be an organic or inorganic. Preferable organic base is an amine. The amine may be primary, secondary or tertiary amine. The more preferred amine is triethyl amine or N,N-diisopropylethylamine.

The preferable inorganic bases are hydroxides, carbonates, bicarbonates, alkoxides and oxides of alkali or alkaline earth metals. The preferred alkali metal compounds are those of lithium, sodium and potassium, more preferred being those of sodium and potassium. The preferred alkaline earth metal compounds are those of calcium and magnesium more preferred being those of magnesium. Some example of these bases are sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium oxide, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, sodium tert.butoxide and potassium tert.butoxide. The more preferred bases are hydroxides of sodium and potassium.

The deprotection may be carried out by contacting the separated diastereomer or a salt thereof with the base preferably in the presence of a solvent.

Suitable solvents that can be used in the deprotection are esters such as ethyl acetate, methyl acetate, isopropyl acetate, tert-butyl methyl acetate and ethyl formate; alcohols such as methanol, ethanol and isopropyl alcohol; acetonitrile; tetrahydrofuran; dimethylformamide; dimethylsulfoxide; dioxane; aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, xylene, etc.; halogenated hydrocarbons such as methylene chloride, chloroform, carbontetrachloride, ethylene dichloride, etc.; ketones such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, diethyl ketone etc.; ethers such as tert-butyl methyl ether, diethyl ether; diethyl carbonate and a mixture thereof. Preferable solvents are alcohol and ketone solvents, still more preferred solvents are alcohol solvents such as methanol, isopropyl alcohol and ethanol.

The separation and deprotection methods of benzimidazole sulfoxides are described in application No. PCT/IN04/00118, which is herein incorporated by reference.

The enantiomers of compounds of formula I are either inhibitors of gastric acid secretion or intermediates for preparing them. These intermediates can be converted to the members of inhibitors of gastric acid secretion. For instant if R₆ of an enantiomer of the compound of formula I is nitro group then nitro can be replaced by methoxy group using sodium methoxide to obtain another member of the formula I. Similarly if R of an enantiomer of the compound of formula I is

the N-oxide group can be reduced to pyridine compound by known methods to obtain another member of formula I.

The compounds of formula V as diastereomeric mixture or as individual diastereomers including their salts are novel and are also part of the invention.

(S)-5-Methoxy-2-[(3,5-dimethyl-4-methoxy-2-pyridyl)methylsulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole ((S)-Omeprazole or Esomeprazole) or a salt thereof is the most preferred compound of the formula I. The preferred process for preparing esomeprazole or the salt can be shown in the scheme:

The diastereomers formed by reaction between 5-Methoxy-2-[(3,5-dimethyl-4-methoxy-2-pyridyl)methylthio]-1-H-benzimidazole and (R)-camphorsulfonyl chloride results in the formation of a mixture of 1-(R)-camphorsulfonyl-(5- and 6-)-methoxy-2-[(3,5-dimethyl-4-methoxy-2-pyridyl)methylthio]-1H-benzimidazole, which is then oxidized to give a diastereomeric mixture of 1-(R)-camphorsulfonyl-(5- and 6-)-methoxy-2-[(3,5-dimethyl-4-methoxy-2-pyridyl) methyl-(R/S)-sulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole. The diastereomeric compounds with ‘S’-configuration at sulfur of sulfoxide group (i.e., 1-(R)-camphorsulfonyl-(5- and 6-)-methoxy-2-[(3,5-dimethyl4-methoxy-2-pyridyl)methyl-(S)-sulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole) are formed in excess over the diastereomeric compounds with ‘R’-configuration at sulfur of sulfoxide group (i.e., 1-(R)-camphorsulfonyl-(5- and 6-)-methoxy-2-[(3,5-dimethyl-4-methoxy-2-pyridyl)methyl-(R)-sulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole). From the mixture of 5- and 6-methoxy-benzimidazoles thus obtained, those with one configuration at the sulfur atom of sulfoxide group are separated by fractional crystallization from those with the opposite configuration, followed by deprotection to give esomeprazole and R-omeprazole separately.

The formation of such 5- and 6-substituted benzimidazoles are common to for example as mentioned in U.S. Pat. No. 5,714,504 and where applicable such a benzimidazole compounds of formula IV and diastereomers of the benzimidazole compounds of formula V; and the preparation of such compounds are also part of the invention.

Such a mixture of substituted benzimidazole compounds usually results from the presence of tautomeric forms of benzimidazole ring and they result when at least one of R₁ to R₄ is different from any of the rest of them provided if R₁ and R₄ are same, R₂ and R₃ are different; or if R₂ and R₃ are same, R₁ and R₄ are different. Even though these structures are not shown for the formulas IV and V for the sake of clarity, they are implied and also the part of the invention. The sequence of reactions and structures for these compounds can be shown as:

The compounds of formulas IVa, IVb and VIa to VId may be separated in to substantially pure compounds from their respective fractions by suitable means such as chromatographic techniques and/or fractional crystallization. For example, the individual isomers can be obtained by repeated crystallizations of alcoholic or ketonic solution or a mixture thereof from the mixture of IVa and IVb; VIa and VIb; or VIc and VId.

Any of the compounds of formulas IVa, IVb and VIa to VId in substantially pure form are novel and constitutes another aspect of the invention.

The individual compounds of formula IVa and IVb may also be used for preparing the compounds of formula I as a single enantiomer or in an enantiomerically enriched form by treating these compounds essentially the same manner as described for formula IV.

The individual isomers of the formula VIa to VId may also be used for preparing the compounds of formula I as a single enantiomer or in an enantiomerically enriched form by treating these isomers essentially the same manner as described for formula V.

Substantially pure refers to purity of the compound more than 85% of total of all the four isomers (i.e., VIa to VId), more preferably above 95% of total of all the four isomers and still more preferably above 98% of total of all the four isomers.

The following examples are given for the purpose of illustrating the present invention and should not be considered as limitations on the scope or spirit of the invention.

EXAMPLE 1

5-Methoxy-2-[(3,5-dimethyl-4-methoxy-2-pyridyl)methylthio]-1H-benzimidazole (15 gm) was dissolved in methylene chloride (150 ml) and N,N-diisopropylethylamine (9.0 gm) was added to the solution. The solution was cooled to 0° C.-5° C. (R)-Camphor sulfonyl chloride (14.0 gm) dissolved in 25 ml of methylene chloride was added slowly for one hour at 0° C.-5° C. The reaction mixture was maintained at 0° C.-5° C. for 3 hours. The pH was adjusted to 6.0-6.5 with acetic acid, then ice-cooled water (60 ml) was added. The layers were separated. The organic layer was washed with 10% aqueous sodium chloride. The organic layer was distilled under reduced pressure to obtain a residue containing the mixture of 1-(R)-camphorsulfonyl-5-methoxy-2-[(3,5-dimethyl4-methoxy-2-pyridyl)methylthio]-1H-benzimidazole and 1-(R)-camphorsulfonyl-6-methoxy-2-[(3,5-dimethyl-4-methoxy-2-pyridyl)methylthio]-1H-benzimidazole (19.8 gm).

EXAMPLE 2

The residue (19.8 gm) obtained as in example 1 was mixed with methylene chloride (200 ml) at 30° C.-35° C., cooled to −5° C. and then the solution of m-chloro perbenzoic acid (8.0 gm) in methylene chloride (80 ml) was added drop wise for 30 minutes at −5° C. The contents were stirred for 3 hours at −5° C., then the reaction mass was filtered and washed with 5% NaHCO₃ (80 ml). The organic layer was dried and distilled to give the residue containing the diastereomeric mixture of 1-(R)-camphorsulfonyl-(5- and 6-)-methoxy-2-[(3,5-dimethyl-4-methoxy-2-pyridyl)methyl-(S)-sulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole and 1-(R)-camphorsulfonyl-(5- and 6-)-methoxy-2-[(3,5-dimethyl-4-methoxy-2-pyridyl) methyl-(R)-sulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole (18.0 gm) (the ratio of diastereomeric mixture of 1-(R)-camphorsulfonyl-(5- and 6-)-methoxy-2-[(3,5-dimethyl-4-methoxy-2-pyridyl)methyl-(S)-sulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole and 1-(R)-camphorsulfonyl-(5- and 6-)-methoxy-2-[(3,5-dimethyl-4-methoxy-2-pyridyl)methyl-(R)-sulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole was 4.4:1).

EXAMPLE 3

The residue (18.0 gm) obtained as in example 2 was stirred with isopropyl alcohol (50 ml) for 2 hours at 25° C. and then refluxed for 1 hour. The solution was cooled to 25° C. and maintained for 3 hours. The solid obtained was collected by filtration. The solid was stirred in methanol (80 ml) for 30 min and filtered to obtain a mixture of 1-(R)-camphorsulfonyl-5-methoxy-2-[(3,5-dimethyl-4-methoxy-2-pyridyl)methyl-(R)-sulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole and 1-(R)-camphor sulfonyl-6-methoxy-2-[(3,5-dimethyl4-methoxy-2-pyridyl)methyl-(R)-sulfinyl)-1H-benzimidazole as solid (3.5 gm).

EXAMPLE 4

Methanol (50 ml) was added to the product (3.5 gm) obtained as in example 2 and stirred for 30 min at 25° C., then sodium hydroxide solution (1 gm in 5 ml water) was added slowly for 10 min. The contents were stirred for 3 hours at 25° C. and then distilled to obtain a residue. To the residue was added water (25 ml), the pH was adjusted to 6.8 with acetic acid and the product was extracted with methylene chloride (3×50 ml). The layers were separated. The methylene chloride layer was washed with 5% aq. sodium chloride (25 ml), dried with sodium sulfate and the solvent was distilled to obtain 1.6 gm residue containing (R)-5-Methoxy-2-[(3,5-dimethyl-4-methoxy-2-pyridyl)methylsulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole (R-omeprazole).

EXAMPLE 5

Treat the mother liquor (containing 1-(R)-camphorsulfonyl-(6- and 5-)-methoxy-2-[(3,5-dimethyl-4-methoxy-2-pyridyl)methyl-(S)-sulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole in 3.2:1 ratio) from example 3 as follows:

The solvent was distilled to obtain a residue. The residue was dissolved in methylene chloride (100 ml) and washed with water (2×50 ml). The organic layer was distilled, methanol (80 ml) was added to the residue obtained and stirred for 30 min at 25° C. Then sodium hydroxide solution (3.0 gm in 10 ml water) was added slowly for 10 min. The contents were stirred for 3 hours at 25° C. Then methanol was distilled off to obtain a residue. To the residue was added water (50 ml), the pH was adjusted to 6.8 with acetic acid and the product was extracted with methylene chloride (3×50 ml). The layers were separated. The methylene chloride layer was washed with 5% aq. sodium chloride (50 ml), dried with sodium sulfate and the solvent was distilled to obtain 6.5 gm residue containing (s)-5-Methoxy-2-[(3,5-dimethyl-4-methoxy-2-pyridyl)methylsulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole (Esomeprazole).

EXAMPLE 6

The residue (6.5 gm) obtained as in example 5 was dissolved in methanol (40 ml) at 25° C. and the solution was cooled to 5-1° C. Potassium hydroxide solution in methanol (2.0 gm in 10 ml methanol) was added slowly for 30 min. During addition of potassium hydroxide solution, solid was thrown out. The temperature was raised to 25° C., stirred for 14 hours, filtered and dried to obtain 6.2 gm of potassium salt of (S)-5-Methoxy-2-[(3,5-dimethyl-4-methoxy-2-pyridyl)methylsulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole (Esomeprazole potassium) (Enantiomeric excess: 99.4%).

EXAMPLE 7

Potassium salt of (S)-5-Methoxy-2-[(3,5-dimethyl-4-methoxy-2-pyridyl) methylsulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole (Esomeprazole potassium) (6.2 gm) was dissolved in water (80 ml). To this solution, was added magnesium chloride solution (1.8 gm in 50 ml water), and then the contents were stirred for 1 hour at 25° C. The solid precipitated was filtered, washed with water and dried under vacuum for 12 hours at 40° C. to obtain 4.5 gm of esomeprazole magnesium dihydrate (enantiomeric excess: 99.5%). 

1. The present invention provides a stereoselective synthesis for preparing a benzimidazole sulfoxide of formula I or a salt thereof either as a single enantiomer or in an enantiomerically enriched form:

Wherein R is

X is

and R₁-R₄ are the same or different and selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkoxy, halogen, halo-alkoxy, alkylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, oxazolyl, trifluroalkyl, or adjacent groups R₁-R₄ form ring structures which may be further substituted; wherein R₅ and R₇ are same or different and selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkylthio, alkoxy optionally substituted by fluorine, alkoxyalkoxy, dialkylamino, piperidino, morpholino, halogen, phenylalkyl and phenylalkoxy; R₆ is selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkylthio, alkoxy optionally substituted by fluorine, alkoxyalkoxy, dialkylamino, piperidino, morpholino, halogen, nitro, phenylalkyl and phenylalkoxy; R₈ is hydrogen or forms an alkylene chain together with R₇ and R₉ and R₁₀ are, same or different and selected from hydrogen, halogen and alkyl;  which comprises: a) reacting a benzimidazole sulfide of formula II, or a salt thereof:

wherein R, X and R₁-R₄ are as defined for formula I; with a chiral compound of formula III: R^(c)-Z-Y  III wherein R^(c) is a chiral moiety having at least one asymmetric center and at least one asymmetric center in the chiral moiety can have either R or S configuration; Z is

and Y is a leaving group to provide a compound of formula IV:

wherein R, X and R₁-R₄ are as defined for formula I; and R^(c) and Z are as defined for formula III; b) oxidizing the compound of formula IV to give a diastereomeric excess of compound of formula V:

wherein R, X, R^(c), R₁-R₄ and Z are as defined for formula IV and star (*) refers to excess of one configuration at the sulfur atom of the sulfoxide group over the opposite configuration; c) if required, separating the diastereomers of formula V; and d) deprotecting the product of step (b); or separated diastereomers of step (c) with an acid or base to provide a single enantiomer or enantiomerically enriched compound of formula I and optionally converting the enantiomer formed to the salt.
 2. The process of claim 1, wherein the salt of formula II used in step (a) is an inorganic salt.
 3. The process of claim 2, wherein the inorganic salt is alkali or alkaline earth metal salt.
 4. The process of claim 3, wherein the alkali metal salt is sodium or potassium salt.
 5. The process of claim 1, wherein the salt of formula II used in step (a) is an organic ammonium salt.
 6. The process of claim 5, wherein the organic salt is organic ammonium salt of formula II.
 7. The process of claim 6, wherein the organic ammonium salt of formula II is the tetrabutylammonium, guanidinium or tert-butylammonium salt of formula II.
 8. The process of claim 7, wherein the organic ammonium salt of formula II is the tetrabutylammonium salt of formula II.
 9. The process of claim 1, wherein the reaction in the step (a) is carried out in a solvent.
 10. The process of claim 9, wherein the solvent is selected from the group consisting of esters, alcohols, acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran, dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide, dioxane, aromatic hydrocarbons, halogenated hydrocarbons, ketones, ethers and diethyl carbonate; and a mixture thereof.
 11. The process of claim 10, wherein the solvent is selected from ethyl acetate, methyl acetate, isopropyl acetate, tert-butyl methyl acetate, ethyl formate, methanol, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran, dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide, dioxane, benzene, toluene, xylene, methylenechloride, chloroform, carbontetrachloride, ethylene dichloride, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, diethyl ketone, tert-butyl methyl ether, diethyl ether and diethyl carbonate; and a mixture thereof.
 12. The process of claim 10, wherein the solvent is selected from halogenated hydrocarbon solvents and aromatic hydrocarbon solvents.
 13. The process of claim 12, wherein the halogenated hydrocarbon solvent is methylene chloride or ethylenedichloride; and the aromatic hydrocarbon solvent is toluene, benzene or xylene.
 14. The process of claim 13, wherein the solvent is methylene chloride.
 15. The process of claim 1, wherein the step (a) is carried out in the presence of a base.
 16. The process of claim 15, wherein the base is N,N-diisopropylethylamine or triethylamine.
 17. The process of claim 16, wherein the base is N,N-diisopropylethylamine.
 18. The process of claim 1, wherein Z of formula III is


19. The process of claim 1, wherein Y of formula III is halogen, hydroxy or reactive esterified hydroxy.
 20. The process of claim 19, wherein reactive esterified hydroxy is acetoxy or trifluoroacetoxy.
 21. The process of claim 19, wherein halogen is Cl, Br or I.
 22. The process of claim 21, wherein halogen is Cl or Br.
 23. The process of claim 22, wherein halogen is Cl.
 24. The process of claim 1, wherein-R^(c)-Z- of formula III is selected from (S) or (R)-camphorsulfonyl, (S)- or (R )-glycidylsulfonyl-, D- or L-mandeloyl, a stereo isomeric 1-(ethoxycarbonyl)-3-phenylpropyl]alanyl, (D) or (L)-phenyl alanyl and (D) or (L)-alanyl.
 25. The process of claim 24, wherein R^(c)-Z- is (S)-camphorsulfonyl.
 26. The process of claim 24, wherein R^(c)-Z- is (R)-camphorsulfonyl.
 27. The process of claim 1, wherein the oxidation reaction in the step (b) is carried out with an oxidizing agent is selected from nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide, peracids, peresters, ozone, dinitrogentetraoxide, iodosobenzene, N-halosuccinimide, 1-chlorobenzotriazole, tert -butylhypo chlorite, sodium hypochlorite, diazobicyclo-[2,2,2]-octane bromine complex, sodium metaper iodate, selenium dioxide, manganese dioxide, chromic acid, cericammonium nitrate, bromine, chlorine, and sulfuryl chloride.
 28. The process of claim 27, wherein the oxidizing agent is selected from peracids and m-chloro perbenzoic acid; hydrogen peroxide, sodium hypochlorite and sodium metaperiodate.
 29. The process of claim 28, wherein the per acid is peracetic acid and m-chloro perbenzoic acid.
 30. The process of claim 29, wherein the per acid is m-chloro perbenzoic acid.
 31. The process of claim 27, wherein the oxidation reaction is carried out with m-chloro perbenzoic acid and in methylene chloride solvent.
 32. The process of claim 27, wherein the oxidation is carried out in a solvent or a mixture of solvents.
 33. The process of claim 32, wherein the solvent is selected from the group consisting of esters, carboxylic acid solvents, alcohols, acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran, dimethyl formamide, dimethylsulfoxide, dioxane, aromatic hydrocarbons, halogenated hydrocarbons, ketones, ethers, diethyl carbonate and a mixture thereof.
 34. The process of claim 33, wherein the solvent is selected from ethyl acetate, methyl acetate, isopropyl acetate, tert-butyl methyl acetate, ethyl formate, acetic acid, methanol, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran, dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide, dioxane, benzene, toluene, xylene, methylenechloride, chloroform, carbontetrachloride, ethylene dichloride, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, diethyl ketone, tert-butyl methyl ether, diethyl ether, diethyl carbonate and a mixture thereof.
 35. The process of claim 33, wherein the solvent is selected from halogenated hydrocarbon solvents, carboxylic acid solvents and aromatic hydrocarbon solvents.
 36. The process of claim 35, wherein the halogenated hydrocarbon solvent is methylene chloride or ethylenedichloride; carboxylic acid solvent is acetic acid; and the aromatic hydrocarbon solvent is toluene, benzene or xylene.
 37. The process of claim 36, wherein the solvent is methylene chloride or acetic acid.
 38. The process of claim 27, wherein the oxidation step is carried out in the presence of a catalyst.
 39. The process of claim 38, wherein the catalyst is vanadium acetyl acetonate.
 40. The process of claim 1, wherein the diastereomers are separated in step (c) by a chromatographic technique or fractional crystallization.
 41. The process of claim 40, wherein the diastereomers are separated by fractional crystallization of preferentially one diastereomer from a solution of mixture of the diastereomers.
 42. The process of claim 41, wherein the solvent used in the solution is selected from the group consisting of alcohols, ketones, esters, acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran, dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide, dioxane, diethyl carbonate and a mixture thereof.
 43. The process of claim 42, wherein the solvent is selected from methanol, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, propanol, tert-butanol, n-butanol, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, diethyl ketone, ethyl acetate, methyl acetate, isopropyl acetate, tert-butyl methyl acetate, ethyl formate, acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran, dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide, dioxane, diethyl carbonate and a mixture thereof.
 44. The process of claim 42, wherein the solvent is an alcohol or a ketone.
 45. The process of claim 44, wherein the ketone solvent is acetone.
 46. The process of claim 44, wherein the alcohol solvent is isopropyl alcohol or ethanol.
 47. The process of claim 1, wherein the acid used in step (d) is a carboxylic acid or sulfonic acid.
 48. The process of claim 47, wherein the carboxylic acid is acetic acid or formic acid.
 49. The process of claim 1, wherein the base used in step (d) is an amine.
 50. The process of claim 49, wherein the amine is triethyl amine or N,N-diisopropylethylamine.
 51. The process of claim 1, wherein the base used in step (d) is selected from the group consisting of hydroxides, carbonates, bicarbonates, alkoxides and oxides of alkali or alkaline earth metals.
 52. The process of claim 51, wherein the alkalimetal is lithium, sodium or potassium.
 53. The process of claim 51, wherein the base is sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide.
 54. The process of claim 51, wherein the alkaline earth metal is magnesium.
 55. The process of claim 1, wherein the deprotection in step (d) is carried out in a solvent selected from alcohols, ketones, esters, acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran, dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide, dioxane, diethyl carbonate and a mixture thereof.
 56. The process of claim 55, wherein the solvent is selected from alcohol and ketone solvents.
 57. The process of claim 56, wherein the alcohol is methanol, isopropyl alcohol or ethanol.
 58. The process of claim 41, wherein the diastereomer present in the mother liquor after fractional crystallization in step (c) is subjected to deprotection in step (d).
 59. The process of claim 41, wherein the diastereomer of crystallized solid is subjected to deprotection in step (d).
 60. The process of claim 58, wherein the deprotection is carried out with a base.
 61. The process of claim 59, wherein the deprotection is carried out with a base.
 62. The process of claim 1, wherein the sulfoxide of formula I or a salt thereof either as a single enantiomer or in an enantiomerically enriched form prepared is the sulfoxide of any of the formulas I(i) to I(vi) or salt thereof either as a single enantiomer or an enantiomerically enriched form:


63. The process of claim 62, wherein the sulfoxide prepared is the sulfoxide of formula I(i) or a salt thereof either as a single enantiomer or an enantiomerically enriched form.
 64. The process of claim 63, wherein the sulfoxide is sodium, potassium or magnesium salt of esomeprazole.
 65. A process for preparation of sulfoxide of formula I(i) as enantiomers or enantiomerically enriched enantiomers or a salt thereof:

which process comprises: a) reacting 5-Methoxy-2-[(3,5-dimethyl-4-methoxy-2-pyridyl)methyl-thio]-1H-benzimidazole or a salt thereof with (S)- or (R) camphor sulfonylchloride to obtain a mixture of 1-(S or R)-camphorsulfonyl-5-methoxy-2-[(3,5-dimethyl-4-methoxy-2-pyridyl)methyl-thio]-1H-benzimidazole and 1-(S or R)-camphorsulfonyl-6-methoxy-2-[(3,5)-dimethyl-4-methoxy-2-pyridylmethyl-thio]-1H-benzimidazole; b) oxidizing the compound formed in step (a) to give a diastereomeric excess sufloxides having one configuration at sulfur atom of sulfoxide group over that having the opposite configuration; c) separating the diastereomers formed in step (b); and d) deprotecting the separated diastereomers with an acid or base to provide a single enantiomer or enantiomerically enriched compound of (R)- or (S)-5-Methoxy-2-[(3,5-dimethyl-4-methoxy-2-pyridyl)methylsulfinyl]-1-H-benzimidazole ((R)- or (S)-esomeprazole) and optionally converting the (R)- or (S)-esomeprazole to the salt.
 66. The process of claim 65, wherein the salt is sodium, potassium or magnesium salt.
 67. The process of claim 66, wherein the salt is potassium or magnesium salt.
 68. The process of claim 67, wherein the salt is magnesium salt.
 69. The process of claim 65, wherein the reaction in the step (a) is carried out in a solvent.
 70. The process of claim 69, wherein the solvent is selected from halogenated hydrocarbon solvents and aromatic hydrocarbons.
 71. The process of claim 70, wherein the halogenated hydrocarbon solvent is methylene chloride or ethylenedichloride.
 72. The process of claim 65, wherein the reaction in step (a) is carried out in the presence of a base.
 73. The process of claim 72, wherein the base is N,N-diisopropylethylamine or triethyl amine.
 74. The process of claim 65, wherein the oxidation reaction in the step (b) is carried out with an oxidizing agent is selected from nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide, peracids, peresters, ozone, dinitrogentetraoxide, iodosobenzene, N-halosuccinimide, 1-chlorobenzotriazole, tert -butylhypo chlorite, sodium hypochlorite, diazobicyclo-[2,2,2]-octane bromine complex, sodium metaper iodate, selenium dioxide, manganese dioxide, chromic acid, cericammonium nitrate, bromine, chlorine, and sulfuryl chloride.
 75. The process of claim 74, wherein the oxidizing agent is selected from peracids and m-chloro perbenzoic acid; hydrogen peroxide, sodium hypochlorite and sodium metaperiodate.
 76. The process of claim 75, wherein the per acid is peracetic acid and m-chloro perbenzoic acid.
 77. The process of claim 76, wherein the per acid is m-chloro perbenzoic acid.
 78. The process of claim 74, wherein the oxidation reaction is carried out with m-chloro perbenzoic acid in methylene chloride solution.
 79. The process of claim 74, wherein the oxidation is carried out in a solvent or a mixture of solvents.
 80. The process of claim 79, wherein the solvent is selected from the group consisting of esters, carboxylic acid solvents, alcohols, acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran, dimethyl formamide, dimethylsulfoxide, dioxane, aromatic hydrocarbons, halogenated hydrocarbons, ketones, ethers, diethyl carbonate and a mixture thereof.
 81. The process of claim 80, wherein the solvent is selected from ethyl acetate, methyl acetate, isopropyl acetate, tert-butyl methyl acetate, ethyl formate, acetic acid, methanol, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran, dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide, dioxane, benzene, toluene, xylene, methylenechloride, chloroform, carbontetrachloride, ethylene dichloride, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, diethyl ketone, tert-butyl methyl ether, diethyl ether, diethyl carbonate and a mixture thereof.
 82. The process of claim 80, wherein the solvent is selected from halogenated hydrocarbon solvents, carboxylic acid solvents and aromatic hydrocarbon solvents.
 83. The process of claim 82, wherein the halogenated hydrocarbon solvent is methylene chloride or ethylenedichloride; carboxylic acid solvent is acetic acid; and the aromatic hydrocarbon solvent is toluene, benzene or xylene.
 84. The process of claim 83, wherein the solvent is methylene chloride or acetic acid.
 85. The process of claim 74, wherein the oxidation step is carried out in the presence of a catalyst.
 86. The process of claim 85, wherein the catalyst is vanadium acetyl acetonate.
 87. The process of claim 65, wherein the diastereomers are separated in step (c) by a chromatographic technique or fractional crystallization.
 88. The process of claim 87, wherein the diastereomers are separated by fractional crystallization of preferentially one diastereomer from a solution of mixture of the diastereomers.
 89. The process of claim 88, wherein the solvent used in the solution is selected from alcohols or ketones.
 90. The process of claim 89, wherein alcohol is isopropyl alcohol.
 91. The process of claim 65, wherein the base used in step (d) is selected from hydroxides, carbonates and bicarbonates of alkali metals.
 92. The process of claim 74, wherein the base used in step (d) is triethylamine.
 93. Substantially pure compounds of formula VIa to VId:

wherein R, X and R₁-R₄ are as defined for formula I and R^(c) and Z are as defined for formula III of claim 1; with the proviso that at least one of R₁ to R₄ is different from any of the rest of them provided if R₁ and R₄ are same, R₂ and R₃ are different; or if R₂ and R₃ are same, R₁ and R₄ are different.
 94. The compounds of claim 93, wherein R is


95. The compounds of claim 93, wherein X is —CH₂.
 96. The compounds of formula VIa to VId of claim 93, wherein R is

R₁=R₃=R₄=H; R₂ is —OCH₃ and X is —CH₂.
 97. The compounds of claims 93 to 96, wherein Z is


98. The compounds of claims 93 to 96, wherein R^(c)-Z- of formulas VIa to VId are selected from (S) or (R)-camphorsulfonyl, (S)- or (R)-glycidylsulfonyl-, D- or L-mandeloyl, a stereo isomeric 1-(ethoxycarbonyl)-3-phenylpropyl]alanyl, (D) or (L)-phenyl alanyl and (D) or (L)-alanyl.
 99. The process of claim 98, wherein R^(c)-Z- is (S) or (R)-camphorsulfonyl.
 100. The process of claim 99, wherein R^(c)-Z- is (R)-camphorsulfonyl.
 101. The process of claim 65, wherein (R)-camphorsulfonyl chloride is used in step (a); oxidation in step (b) is carried out using m-chloroperbenzoic acid, peracetic acid, hydrogen peroxide or sodium hypochlorite to give diastereomeric excess of 1-(R)-camphorsulfonyl-(5- and 6-)-methoxy-2-[(3,5-dimethyl-4-methoxy-2-pyridyl)methyl-(S)-sulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole over 1-(R)-camphorsulfonyl-(5- and 6-)-methoxy-2-[(3,5-dimethyl-4-methoxy-2-pyridyl)methyl-(R)-sulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole, diastereomers are separated in step (c) by fractional crystallization, deprotection of 1-(R)-camphorsulfonyl-(5- and 6-)-methoxy-2-[(3,5-dimethyl-4-methoxy-2-pyridyl)methyl-(S)-sulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole present in the mother liquor of step (c) is carried out using a base to obtain (S)-enantiomer of 5-Methoxy-2-[(3,5-dimethyl-4-methoxy-2-pyridyl)methylsulfinyl]1-H-benzimidazole (esomeprazole) or enantiomerically enriched (S)-enantiomer and optionally converting to the salt.
 102. The process of claim 101, wherein fractional crystallization is carried out in isopropyl alcohol.
 103. The process of claim 101, wherein the mixture of enantiomers used in step (a) is the-racemic omeprazole.
 104. Benzimidazole sulfides of formula IV:

wherein R, X and R₁-R₄ are as defined for formula I and R^(c) and Z are as defined for formula III of claim 1; with the proviso that at least one of R₁ to R₄ is different from any of the rest of them provided if R₁ and R₄ are same, R₂ and R₃ are different; or if R₂ and R₃ are same, R₁ and R₄ are different.
 105. The compounds of claim 104, wherein X is —CH₂ and R is


106. The compounds of claim 104, wherein R is

R₁=R₃=R₄=H; R₂ is —OCH₃ and X is —CH₂.
 107. The compounds of claims 104 to 106, wherein Z is


108. The compounds of claims 104 to 106, wherein R^(c)-Z- of formula IV is selected from (S) or (R)-camphorn sulfonyl, (S)- or (R )-glycidylsulfonyl-, D- or L-mandeloyl, a stereo isomeric 1-(ethoxycarbonyl)-3-phenylpropyl]alanyl, (D) or (L)-phenyl alanyl and (D) or (L)-alanyl.
 109. The process of claim 108, wherein R^(c)-Z- is (S) or (R)-camphor sulfonyl.
 110. The process of claim 109, wherein R^(c)-Z- is (R)-camphor sulfonyl.
 111. Compounds of formula IVa and IVb in substantially pure form:

wherein R, X and R₁-R₄ are as defined for formula I and R^(c) and Z are as defined for formula III of claim 1; with the proviso that at least one of R₁ to R₄ is different from any of the rest of them provided if R₁ and R₄ are same, R₂ and R are different; or if R₂ and R₃ are same, R₁ and R₄ are different.
 112. The compounds of claim 111, wherein X is —CH₂ and R is


113. The compounds of claim 111, wherein R is

R₁=R₃=R₄=H; R₂ is —OCH₃ and X is —CH₂.
 114. The compounds of claims 111 to 113, wherein Z is


115. The compounds of claims 111 to 113, wherein R^(c)-Z- of formulas VIa to VId are selected from (S) or (R)-camphorsulfonyl, (S)- or (R)-glycidylsulfonyl-, D- or L-mandeloyl, a stereo isomeric 1-(ethoxycarbonyl)-3-phenylpropyl]alanyl, (D) or (L)-phenyl alanyl and (D) or (L)-alanyl.
 116. The process of claim 115, wherein R^(c)-Z- is (S) or (R)-camphorsulfonyl.
 117. The process of claim 116, wherein R^(c)-Z- is (R)-camphorsulfonyl. 